Commissioning, Procurement and Contract Management Transformation
The Context
Richmond and Wandsworth Councils, operating one of the largest shared staffing groups in London, had successfully integrated operations, saving £10 million each through staffing efficiencies. To build on this success, the councils sought further savings by optimising third-party spend and enhancing their commissioning, procurement, contract management and social value capabilities. However, concerns arose about the councils' approach to procurement, with a tendency toward last-minute contracting. To support development of a fresh approach, the council sought a strategic partner to secure immediate cashable savings and build internal capabilities for long-term sustainability.
Our Approach
The councils appointed us to lead a comprehensive review across four key areas:
Assessed the councils' strategic approach to commissioning and provided practical recommendations to enhance it.
Evaluated the central procurement team's size, structure and capabilities, offering recommendations to shift from operational procurement to driving greater savings, innovation and social value.
Analysed the councils' contract management practices, identifying opportunities to improve consistency, robustness and effectiveness.
Reviewed contracts and significant spend areas to identify opportunities for cashable savings, improved performance and increased social value.
We collaborated closely with the councils, tailoring our approach to their specific needs. Key actions included:
Highlighted existing strengths in commissioning, procurement and contract management across the councils.
Pinpointed areas for enhancement both within individual service areas and council-wide.
Identified significant opportunities for cashable savings, improved performance and enhanced social value from existing contracts.
Benchmarked the councils' capacity and skills against comparable authorities and provided recommendations for investment, supported by an invest-to-save business case.
Outputs and Outcomes
Our team also supported implementation of this work, with the project delivering savings across a range of areas including:
20% savings from Home to School Transport.
25% savings from Adult Social Care Client Transport.
20% savings from Day Opportunities while modernising services and making better use of community assets.
10% savings from Waste Services.
£100k additional income from Parking.
15% savings from Housing Repairs and Maintenance.
5-20% savings across 40 other contracts and services.
Capability improvements were realised through means such as:
Development of a new Commissioning and Contract Management Framework.
Implementing tools and training programmes.
Engaging staff to ensure upskilling, knowledge transfer and ownership of changes.
This transformation programme not only delivered financial savings but also strengthened the councils' strategic approach, setting the stage for ongoing improvements and innovation.
About Us
Human Engine is a leading management consultancy with specialisms in strategy, transformation, digital, commercial, procurement and projects.
Founded in 2018, we have partnered with more than 50 local authorities, central government, NHS organisations and national charities to help transform their strategies, operations and cultures.
Our mission is to help individuals and organisations to do the best work of their lives. We do this by blending first-hand, practical experience of the problems we help our clients solve with award-winning consulting expertise and an approach based on trust, collaboration and partnership.